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I don't know why, but I seem to get in a certain mindset every time I play a golf game. I always hear the words, "Be the Ball" in my head. Maybe I've just watched too much Caddy Shack in the last couple decades. Which brings us up to par (pun intended) with PGA European Tour for the Nintendo 64. Does it make a hole in one, or just get caught in the rough? Okay, okay, enough golf metaphors, on to the review... nananananaaaaa. (bad Chevy Chase impersonation) Graphically, we have another title marred with blur on the N64. While it's not as distracting as most titles, it's still there. I mean we live in an age now where we are getting spoiled by the Sega Dreamcast and PC titles for their clarity. Besides the blur factor, the character models are somewhat bland. Blocky textures provide each player with a sense of a first gen title. This all could have been helped with the use of the 4 mb expansion pack, but unfortunately like most companies, Infogrames refused to. This, folks, is a shame, as the graphics are it's worst quality. The animations are done well, with warm up shots, picking up the ball after sinking a put, and showing emotion after hitting a nice drive, or slicing into the woods. Not only that, but you can skip through animations to get through the game quicker. Which proves once again, carts are DEAD.
On the side of the sounds, we have an average affair. Nothing flashy, just what you'd expect from a golf title. The theme music is your subtle, laid back, golfer's music. (Are we to really believe this is what they listen to?) The commentary is decent, and varies in phrases most of the time. The sound effects are the best aspect of the sound, with birds chirping, wind blowing, and the ball echoing through the hole when putted in. Only one major problem here... where's the crowd? This is supposed to be a European Tour, right? No crowd sounds what so ever. Very disappointing. Game play has it's many ups and very few downs. Nice and easy navigation though the menus, easy to use and understand hit meter, and extremely forgiving accuracy points, which makes getting frustrated a little less likely. The driving isn't the only forgiving feature, as the short game and putting are also done with great ease. I made a 60 yard putt with no problem on my second hole. There are "club to hole" light trails to help pinpoint where to hit, and a grid option if you are so inclined. I think this is the game's strong point, and a good reason to buy if you like the sport. Plenty of options are available, and Infogrames didn't forget much. Features like, create a golfer, saving anytime, practice (driving, putting, etc.), multiplayer modes for up to four players, skins, match, stroke, foursome, a walk by hole option, weather effects, and many more. With the exception of a career stat tracking option, this game is deep. Overall, with a well-done course overlay, average graphics, decent sound, and plenty of options, this game is without a doubt the best golf sim on the N64. Which, I know, isn't saying much, but even PSX and Dreamcast owners might respect what Infogrames has put up on display. Now only if they'd only do this game for DC. (hint, hint)
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